Nick Spaling's diary: Goal, win ease frustration of being left out of lineup

1:25 AM,
Mar. 14, 2013

Nashville Predators center Nick Spaling, center, celebrates scoring a goal with teammates Scott Hannan (22) and Matt Halischuk (24) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars, Tuesday, March 12, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Written by

As told to Josh Cooper
| The Tennessean

It was nice to win against the Stars and score. On the goal, it was a good play by both my linemates. Craig Smith pressured their guy up the ice and forced him in that direction, and Matt Halischuk then created that turnover. I just shot it to the far side when I got into the offensive zone.

I was out of the lineup in one game last week. I think that's part of the game. There are ups and downs, and it's a matter of me playing better and playing more consistent. It's something I'm working on and trying to figure out.